Terminator 2D: NO FATE is a classic side-scrolling platformer that feels like it came straight out of the peak Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo era. The way it plays is so close to the old Terminator games on those consoles that it shows how much work the developers put into making it feel authentic.
The story follows the events of Terminator 2: Judgment Day. It stays true to the movie but adds the twist of letting players experience everything through a 2D side-scrolling action game. Every major moment from the movie is recreated here with a detailed pixel art style. From the T-800, modeled after Arnold Schwarzenegger, to the terrifying T-1000, the game captures it all in a way that delivers both nostalgia and excitement for fans of the film and retro Terminator games.
There are three main characters in Terminator 2D: NO FATE. Sarah Connor is on a mission to stop Judgment Day. John Connor’s story takes place in a future where humans fight for survival against the machines. And then there is the T-800, my favorite, who goes through many of the movie’s iconic scenes as playable levels. The developers also added some variety by including branching paths with alternate endings.
The gameplay is fairly simple, as it follows the style of a classic side-scrolling action game with a strong focus on run-and-gun arcade mechanics. There are several modes to choose from, including a basic story mode with multiple difficulty options and an arcade mode that gives the player no extra lives. Additional modes start out locked and can be opened by meeting certain conditions.
Terminator 2D: NO FATE may be a straightforward action game, but it does try to add some variety to how it plays. At times it shifts into a brawler, other times it becomes a run-and-gun shooter, and there are even vehicle sections that feel inspired by Battletoads. Despite these attempts to mix things up, the overall content is surprisingly short. Most levels can be cleared in just a few minutes on normal difficulty. Some levels end with boss fights, though not all of them do.
The soundtrack delivers a classic Terminator feel. New tracks are based on the musical themes from Terminator 2, and they sound great. The audio quality helps bring back the nostalgia of playing older console games. While the soundtrack is strong, many of the cutscenes are silent, relying only on text for the story.
When it comes to replay value, it mostly depends on whether you enjoy the core gameplay or want to master each stage through the ranking system that appears at the end of every level. There are extra modes like Boss Rush, Infinite, and Mother of the Future, but they mostly follow the same structure. The branching story paths add some replay value, but after a while, the content starts to feel stretched. Even though the game is fun, the price feels a bit high for what is currently included.
Overall, I would recommend Terminator 2D: NO FATE only if you are a fan of the movie or the franchise in general. Outside that audience, the game does not offer much. It is a good side-scrolling shooter that sticks to classic gameplay, but it may not appeal to modern players who want something fresh from the genre, especially if they are not familiar with the Terminator brand. And let’s be honest, at this point, most people have at least some awareness of it.
Terminator 2D: NO FATE Game Information
- Price: $29.99
- Publisher: Reef Entertainment
- Developer: Bitmap Bureau
- Platform: PC (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
